As some of you may know there was a Kickstarter project from earlier this year for the restoration of three lost Herschell Gordon Lewis films (Linda and Abilene, Ecstasies of Women, Black Love) from restoration specialists Process Blue and a few independent parties and having personally contributed to that project I am excited that it's getting nearer to the release of those films.

Anyway, because of the overwhelming success and the fact that they want to release more genre films lovingly restored in high definition with complete creative control they've now formed their own label, Vinegar Syndrome. Side note: I love the name, it's the process of 35mm prints deteriorating giving them that distinct vinegar smell knowing that a print is on it's last legs.

Obviously they don't have a list of future releases quite yet, but I do know that we can expect some great and lost genre films surfacing as I know a few parties involved in the hunt. Anyway, I'm excited and so should you! Here's the info for Vinegar Syndrome's first release, The Lost Films of Herschell Gordon Lewis, slated for December 11th, 2012:

I contributed to their Kickstarter campaign and am pretty excited to see these long-lost flicks, especially in HD. Can't wait to see what's next. (I know about a few titles being worked on already and think exploitation fans will really be happy with this label!)

A little info on how Vinegar Syndrome releases will operate via their Facebook:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinegar Syndrome

Just to give everyone a bit of an inside scoop as to how VS will work, we're planning on creating two separate lines of releases. The first will be DVD/Blu combo packs, such as the upcoming H.G.L. collection. These releases will feature fully restored films in single, double or triple features, as well as extras (in some cases extras will be bonus related feature films sourced from sub-par elements). Titles receiving full DVD/Blu releases will be sourced almost exclusively from negatives and mint answer prints. The emphasis with these releases is to offer the highest quality restorations we can using the best available film materials.

We will also be introducing a DRIVE-IN line, which will consist entirely of themed double and triple features sourced primarily from theatrical release prints. These releases will be priced considerably lower than than the 'official' DVD/Blu combo packs and will be available on DVD. We will also be offering digital downloads of all DRIVE-IN titles via our website in 720p.

The reason for the two separate lines is simple: we have 35mm film elements for dozens and dozens of really cool and rare movies, but many are simply not up to what we feel are proper condition for a restored Blu-Ray release, so rather than not releasing them at all, we've decided that it's far more sensible to transfer them in 2K, perform some basic restoration work, and offer them as DVD double or triple features so that they're at least out there for people to see.

Attached to this update is a still from DRIVE-IN #1 release: Ken Friedman's DEATH BY INVITATION (1971) + Paul Kener's SAVAGE WATER (1979). Additional stills coming shortly in an 'album' post.

And their second Blu-ray/DVD combo looks like it will be Massage Parlor Murders (1972).

__________________"Things only seem to be magic. There is no real magic. There's no real magic ever." - Martin

For those who missed their fundraiser campaign, start-up label Vinegar Syndrome's first release, THE LOST FILMS OF HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS (due 1/8), is now available for mass-market ordering. Compiling three never-on-home-video sexploitation titles from the splatter pioneer, this set represents a major archival achievement in the world of exploitation filmmaking. LINDA & ABILENE (1969) is his legendary lesbian western, shot on a pre-Manson Spahn Ranch. THE ECSTASIES OF WOMEN (1969) is a swingin' '60s Los Angeles comedy/drama. BLACK LOVE (1971) is the director's notorious blaxploitation porno, reportedly filmed for a Chicago Baskin Robbins owner! All restored in high definition from the original camera negatives, the set also features the original trailers and liner notes. It's great to see a new label worth keeping an eye on!

Instant purchase for me. Originally these guys were talking BD-R and then no HD at all so I was thinking about passing on these but now they're doing factory pressed Blu-ray's so I have to have it. Just have to have it.

__________________
The combined weight of the horrors I have authored wrought would crush your carbon hearts into perfect diamonds of terror!

For all you guys that bitch about not enough new obscure horror getting released, you're not paying Vinegar Syndrome much attention.

I love Vinegar Syndrome. I contributed to their Kickstarter campaign, am VERY happy with their "Lost Films of Herschell Gordon Lewis" release, will be picking up DEATH BY INVITATION very shortly, and MASSAGE PARLOR MURDERS is one of my most-anticipated releases of 2013. Keep 'em coming!